“Squid Game” Actress Lee Joo-Sil died suddenly Sunday at the age of 81, just three months after she was diagnosed with stomach cancer.
Joo-sil played the mother of detective Hwang Jun-ho in the popular series. Initial reports indicate she went into cardiac arrest Sunday morning and was rushed to St. Mary’s Hospital in Uijeongbu, according to Korea JoongAng Daily. Despite the best efforts of medical personnel, Joo-Sil was pronounced dead. The actress had previously been diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in 1993, and was told she just had one year left to live, Korea Joongang Daily said.
Veteran actress Lee Joo Sil passed away at age 81 after battling cancer.
She was widely recognized for her roles in Squid Game 2, Train to Busan, and The Uncanny Counter. 🕊️💔 pic.twitter.com/Y9n64OWft0
— MoviePlus📺 (@MoviePlusx) February 2, 2025
She went into remission after nearly a decade and managed to obtain a doctorate in Public Health at Wonkwang University in 2010, according to Korea JoongAng Daily.
Joo-Sil made her acting debut on stage in 1965 and went on to appear in several plays, including, “Death of a Salesman,” and “Macbeth,” during the 1970s and 80s. She became a leading figure in the world of theater before extending her talents to the big screen. Joo-Sil performed in the 2014 film “Roaring Currents,” as well as “Train To Busan,” just two years later, and “The Uncanny Counter from 2020 – 2023.
Actress Lee Joo Sil who played the role of Somun’s grandmother in The Uncanny Counter passes away today.
Condolences 💐 May she rest in peace🤍🕊️ pic.twitter.com/Z7ehc6dBlw
— 🌈✨👊 (@bk_iyeyo) February 2, 2025
The local news outlet reported that the actress will be memorialized at a funeral hall at the Severance Hospital in Sinchon, western Seoul. She will be laid to rest on February 5. (RELATED: Barstool Sports Announces Sudden Death Of Beloved 28-Year-Old Staffer Iga Obrycka)
Fans and loved ones continue to pay tribute to the star on social media, as they pay their final respects.
